Cycling shell with safety pocket features

ABSTRACT

A cycling outer shell worn over a cycling jersey by a wearer may have at least a torso portion made of panels of at least one material, the torso portion having a back surface adapted to cover a back of the wearer when worn, and a front surface to cover a chest of the wearer when worn. A cutout is defined in a lower portion of the back surface of the torso portion and located in alignment with pockets of the cycling jersey, the cutout having a peripheral edge with opposite lateral edge portions, a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, the bottom edge portion delimited by a strip extending between the opposite lateral edge portions, with a width dimension between the lateral edge portions of the cutout generally corresponding to a width of the pockets of the cycling jersey, and with a height dimension between the bottom edge portion and the top edge portion of the cutout generally corresponding to a height of the pockets of the cycling jersey. One or two lateral pockets are on a side or sides of the torso portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application claims the priorities of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/218,452, filed on Jul. 5, 2021, and of U.S. Patent Application No. 63/220,757, filed on Jul. 12, 2021, the contents of both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure pertains to cycling gear (i.e., clothing), and more particularly to outer shells such as vests, jackets, gilets, rain jackets or the like worn during cycling activity.

BACKGROUND OF THE ART

Cycling is a popular sport in that riders generally get to travel on longer distances in comparison to walking or jogging, with the bicycle being a common commuting vehicle. Considering the long distances often traveled and the need for riders to carry food, gear, tools and personal effects, cycling jerseys are commonly equipped with back pockets in a lower portion of the jerseys. The back pockets are located above the hips of the wearer, in the waist region, and generally opposite the kidney area.

Such pockets are quite convenient for riders who do not want to carry saddle bags on their bicycles in order not to increase the drag coefficient of the bicycle, or who want to have access to food, gear, etc within arm's reach.

Due to the longer duration of the cycling activity, the rider may be exposed to changing environmental conditions, such as rain and temperature variations. Moreover, cycling may often include hill climbing and the subsequent descending. The rider must often produce a strong effort to climb, resulting in sweat and moist clothing, and the subsequent downhill velocities cause a chilling factor on the rider. For these reasons, cyclists commonly carry additional outer shells in their rear pockets. For instance, vests, also known as gilets, are commonly used as a windbreaker to protect the torso of the rider in downhill riding. Rain jackets may be used in case of rain.

A disadvantage of such outer shells is that the rear pockets of the jersey are not readily accessible when an outer shell is worn. The rider may have to stop to access the pockets or must be particularly agile so as to raise the bottom edge of the outer shell to reach an interior of the pocket. In racing or competitive cycling, such maneuvers are hazardous and may even cause falls.

Additionally, in racing events, a bib with an identifying number is typically worn on the back pockets. The use of an outer shell prevents commissioners from seeing the rider's identification. A rider does not want to have to move the bib from the back pockets of the jersey to the outer shell.

SUMMARY OF THE APPLICATION

It is therefore an aim of the present disclosure to provide an outer shell such as a vest or jacket that addresses issues related to the prior art.

It is another aim of the present disclosure to provide an outer shell such as a vest or jacket that allows for an identification bib to be seen on the back of the rider.

Therefore, in accordance with the present application, there is provided a cycling outer shell worn over a cycling jersey by a wearer comprising: at least a torso portion made of panels of at least one material, the torso portion having a back surface adapted to cover a back of the wearer when worn, and a front surface to cover a chest of the wearer when worn; a cutout defined in a lower portion of the back surface of the torso portion and located in alignment with pockets of the cycling jersey, the cutout having a peripheral edge with opposite lateral edge portions, a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, the bottom edge portion delimited by a strip extending between the opposite lateral edge portions, with a width dimension between the lateral edge portions of the cutout generally corresponding to a width of the pockets of the cycling jersey, and with a height dimension between the bottom edge portion and the top edge portion of the cutout generally corresponding to a height of the pockets of the cycling jersey; and at least a lateral pocket on a side of the torso portion.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a rider wearing an outer shell in accordance with the present disclosure, above a cycling jersey having back pockets;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the outer shell of FIG. 1 , in a long-sleeve configuration;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of an outer shell in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a rear view of an outer shell in accordance with yet another embodiment, having a see-through panel; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-section view of the outer shells of the present disclosure, showing a location of pockets and cutout or see-through panel.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1 , there is illustrated an outer shell 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The outer shell 10 is illustrated as being a vest worn over a jersey A. However, the outer shell 10 could be a jacket as well, such as a windbreaker jacket, a rain jacket, a gilet, a cover jersey, etc, namely garment worn over the jersey A. For illustrative purposes, the jersey A is illustrated as having rear pockets B. The jersey A is a conventional jersey and, therefore, typically has three pockets B, although more or fewer pockets could be provided as well. The jersey A has short sleeves C, but could also be a long-sleeve jersey or midlength-sleeve jersey, or even a sleeveless top. An identification bib D is also shown in FIG. 1 , and the identification bib D is commonly used in race cycling for race commissioners to identify the rider.

The outer shell 10 has a torso portion 12. The torso portion 12 is made of one or multiple panels and is typically but optionally provided with a zip fastener 13 (FIG. 5 ), such as centered in a front of the torso portion 12, or offset from the center. The torso portion 12 covers the torso of the user and has a back surface 14 and a front surface 16, with the zip fastener 13 typically provided on the front surface 16. Unless specified, the material used for the outer shell 10 may be any appropriate paneling material. For instance, the front surface 16 is typically made of a windbreaker material, a waterproof material, and/or a multiple-ply insulation material. Synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester, nylon, Lycra®, ePTFE) and/or natural fibers (e.g., wool) may be used to make up the fabric(s) of the paneling material of the shell 10. The back surface 14 may involve the same material as for the front surface 16, or a different material may be used. Meshing material is also commonly used for the back surface 14, as windbreaking properties are not required on the rider's back. In other words, any appropriate material may be used for the outer shell 10, and material is typically chosen as a function of the contemplated use and the riding conditions. The material may be a blend of materials as well, with for example Lycra® or Spandex® or like stretchable fabrics.

Still referring to FIG. 1 , the outer shell 10 is sleeveless, but may also feature sleeves, such as shown in FIG. 2 , with the sleeves illustrated at 18. An elastic band 19 may be at a bottom of the torso portion 12, in any one of the embodiments described herein. The elastic band 19 may be optional, in that the outer shell 10 may rely on the outer shell's elasticity to conform to the shape of the rider.

Referring concurrently to FIGS. 1 and 2 , the outer shell 10 is provided with a cutout 20 in the lower back region of the back surface 14. The cutout 20 is aligned with the pockets B of the jersey A, and may be generally obround, rink-shaped (i.e., with at least some rounded corners), rectangular, etc. The cutout 20 is defined by a peripheral edge 22 with a width W and a height H. The height H (i.e., distance between the top edge portion and the bottom edge portion of the peripheral edge 22) is typically chosen as a function of the height of the pockets B, while the width (i.e., distance between the lateral edge portions of the peripheral edge 22) is selected as a function of the width of all pockets B. For example, the height H may be between 4.0 in to 8.0 in, though it may be outside of this range. The width W may be between 9 in to 16 in, though it may be outside of this range. In a variant, the top portion of the peripheral edge 22 may slightly cover a top edge of the pockets B. Alternatively, the top portion of the peripheral edge 22 may be slightly above a top edge of the pockets B. Similarly, a bottom edge of the peripheral edge 22 may be slightly below a bottom of the pockets B or slightly above same. According to an embodiment, height H of the cutout 20 has a value generally equal to or greater than a height of the jersey pockets B. According to the same or another embodiment, width W of the cutout 20 has a value generally equal to (i.e., slightly smaller or greater) a width of the jersey pockets B. By generally equal, it is meant that the cutout 20 is within a few inches of the dimension of the pockets B, i.e., the dimensions are similar or correspond.

In FIG. 2 , a bottom strip 24 bounds a bottom of the cutout 20, and forms part of the peripheral edge 22. The bottom strip 24 may be an elastic. The elastic may be sized so as to slightly elastically deform when the outer shell 10 is worn. Therefore, a bottom portion of the outer shell 10 contours the upper buttocks/lower back portion of the rider. Moreover, an elastic used as the bottom strip 24 may wrap around the bosses formed by the contents in the pockets B. This enhances the tight fitting of the outer shell 10 at the bottom of the torso of the wearer. The bottom strip 24 may have an inner surface with a gripping material such as a rubber or like sticky material to ensure that the bottom edge of the outer shell 10 remains in position below the pockets B. The gripping material may be an additional strip of material adhered or sown to the strip 24, or may be seams of rubbery filament, among other possibilities. If the bottom strip 24 is an elastic, the combination of the elastic bottom strip 24 and of the elastic band 19 may constitute an elastic that fully surrounds the waist of the wearer (with a potential disruption at a zipper closure, if present).

Accordingly, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 , an interior of the pockets B is accessible despite the outer shell 10 being worn. As outer shells 10 are typically worn tight or in close fitting relation with the torso, there is no loose material that prevents access to the pockets B. Also, the identifying bib D is visible despite the outer shell 10 being worn.

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 , an important safety feature is present in the outer shell 10, in the lateral pockets 30. The outer shell 10 may have a right lateral pocket and a left lateral pocket, both shown as 30. There may be a single right lateral pocket 30 or a single left lateral pocket 30 as well. The lateral pocket(s) 30 has(have) a top open end.

The lateral pockets 30 may be made of the same material as the material of the torso portion 12. A strip 32 may be provided at a top open end of the lateral pockets 30. The strip 32 may be an elastic, in an at rest state when the lateral pocket 30 is empty. The strip 32 may be reflective. The vertical edges and the bottom edge of the lateral pocket 30 may be stitched, sewn, laminated, fused to the panel of the torso portion 12. The bottom edge of the lateral pockets 30 may be on the bottom edge of the torso portion 12, or above. In a variant, a slit is defined in the torso portion 12, and a pocket panel is on an interior of the torso portion 12, instead of being on an outer surface thereof as shown.

The lateral pocket(s) 30 may primarily be used to store objects that may be accessed during the cycling activity, so as to have the rider access the lateral pocket(s) 30 instead of the pockets B of the jersey. For example, the lateral pocket(s) 30 may be used to store packaged snacks, like bars, energy gels, gummies. It may also be used to store eyewear. In a non-competing setting, it may be used to store a smart phone, a wallet, a credit card, key(s). Accordingly, in an embodiment, a width of the lateral pocket 30 is smaller than a height of the lateral pocket 30, due to the small size of the objects that may be stored in the lateral pocket(s) 30. For example, a width of the lateral pocket(s) 30 is between 2.0 in and 4.0 in, inclusively. The height of the lateral pocket(s) 30 may be between 4.0 in to 8.0 in, inclusively, though it may be outside of this range. Moreover, in a variant, the outer shell 10 may have one or both of the lateral pockets 30, but no cutout 20, and no back pockets. As the jersey conventionally has the back pockets B, another layer of pockets on the vest 10 could be redundant, and could create an excess of volume at the back of the rider if the back pockets B and another set of back pockets on the outer shell 10 were filled.

Referring to FIG. 5 , a schematic cross-section view of the outer shell 10 is shown, with a generally ovoid shape as would be worn by a user. The cross-section, from a cranial point of view (i.e., from a top), is only provided as a reference and depends on the stomach region anatomy of a wearer, and may differ from the view of FIG. 5 . Stated differently, the human torse may not have a substantially ovoid shape. However, reference may be made to the medio-lateral axis ML (a.k.a., lateral axis, lateral-lateral axis, from side to side) that lies in a front plane of the wearer, and to the anterior-posterior axis AP that lies in a sagittal plane of the wearer (i.e., from front to back). The expressions medio-lateral and anterior-posterior are commonly used to describe the human anatomy, and are employed in a similar manner herein. The outer shell 10 may be said to have such a frontal plane with axis ML, and sagittal plane with axis AP. Angular values are provided to illustrate the portion of the outer periphery covered by the cutout 20 and lateral pocket(s) 30, with the angular values being in a transverse plane. The angular values are for an unstretched condition of the outer shell 10. Angle α, for the cutout 20 (if present), may be between 140 and 170 degrees, inclusively. An angle β, for the lateral pocket(s) 30, may be between 35 and 55 degrees, inclusively. Angle may be the addition of angles β1 and β2, which may be separated by the virtual frontal plane shown by axis ML. In an embodiment, to facilitate an access to the interior of the lateral pocket(s) 30, angle β2>angle β1. In an embodiment, angle β2 is at least 20 degrees. Thus, in a variant, the lateral pocket(s) 30 is (are) intersected by the frontal plane of the outer shell 10, though the lateral pockets 30 may be entirely located in the anteriorly of the frontal plane of the outer shell 10. In another embodiment, the lateral pocket(s) 30 may be immediately forward of the sides of the cutout 20.

Referring to FIG. 3 , instead of the bottom strip 24, the outer shell 10 may alternatively have an elongated pocket 40, as opposed to an elastic. The elongated pocket 40 may for instance be made of a mesh, or may be pierced, so as not to hold water. It may further include a seam 40′ or like separation, alternatively, to separate the elongated pocket 40 into a first pocket and a second pocket, or a first compartment and a second compartment. The elongated pocket 40 may be well suited to receive elongated objects that may not entirely fit in other pockets, such as the lateral pocket(s) 32 and/or the back pockets B.

A border 42 may be sewn or adhered to the top edge of the elongated pocket 40, with the border 42 being, for instance, an elastic material. The border 42 may further include or integrate a reflective material or coating. Another border may also be sewn or attached to a bottom edge of the elongated pocket 40. The elongated pocket 40 may have the same angular value a as the cutout 20 in FIG. 5 . A height of the elongated pocket 40 may be between 2.0 in and 3.5 in, inclusively. In an embodiment, the elongated pocket 40 may be used to store additional clothing, that may be rolled or folded into an elongated shape, such as a rain jacket, arm warmers, gloves, a handpump. The elongated pocket 40 may be for objects that must not be accessed as often.

Referring to FIG. 4 , another embodiment is shown, of a shell of the type being a rain jacket, such as made in a breathable waterproof material (e.g., Gore-tex®). The back surface 14 of the torso portion 12 features a see-through panel 50 to cover the back pockets B of the jersey A. The see-through panel 50 is made of a transparent impermeable material, and may be solely present in the lower region of the torso portion 12, namely opposite the back pockets B. The see-through panel 50 may define a see-through window that allows an identifying bib D to be visible therethrough. As the panel 50 is adjacent to the lateral pocket(s) 30, it is possible for the see-through panel 50 not to have any access slits, as the objects that need to be readily available to a rider are in the lateral pocket(s) 30. The lateral pocket(s) 30 are an important safety feature, considering that the pockets of the jersey A are concealed under the rain shell of FIG. 4 . The lateral pocket(s) 30 may be the only readily accessible pocket(s), and may be made of a mesh material as shown, or may have drain holes, with the elastic strip 32 being optionally present, such as in reflective material, or other material. It is pointed out that the see-through panel 50 may be used on the configuration of the outer shell 10 with the elastic bottom strip 24, or the elongated pocket 40. The see-through panel 50 may have the same angular value a as the cutout 20 in FIG. 5 .

The border 52 may be made of a reflective material. While it shown surrounding the see-through panel 50, it may also only be at a bottom edge thereof. Ventilation mesh material may be used to define vent zone 53 in the underarm regions, and vent zones 54 in the back, and in the front (not shown). A strip of reflective material 54A may also be present. Wrist straps 55 may be present to close off the wrists of the shell of FIG. 4 .

The outer shell 10 may have any other appropriate features commonly present in cycling outer shells, such as reflective material, windbreaking flaps over the zip fastener, waist elastic, branding, etc. The outer shell 10 may thus be worn over a cycling jersey by a wearer, and may generally be described as having at least a torso portion made of panels of at least one material, the torso portion having a back surface adapted to cover a back of the wearer when worn, and a front surface to cover a chest of the wearer when worn. A cutout may be defined in a lower portion of the back surface of the torso portion and located in alignment with pockets of the cycling jersey, the cutout having a peripheral edge with opposite lateral edge portions, a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, with a width dimension between the lateral edge portions of the cutout generally corresponding to a width of the pockets of the cycling jersey, and with a height dimension between the bottom edge portion and the top edge portion of the cutout generally corresponding to a height of the pockets of the cycling jersey. A lateral pocket may be on a side of the torso portion.

The cutout 20 in the outer shell 10 may be described as forming a hole through a lower half of the back surface of the torso portion 12 and adapted to be located in alignment with pockets B of the cycling jersey A, the hole of the cutout 20 being delimited by a peripheral edge with opposite lateral edge portions, a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, with a width dimension between the lateral edge portions of the cutout 20 adapted to correspond generally to a width of the pockets of the cycling jersey A (±15%), and with a height dimension between the bottom edge portion and the top edge portion of the cutout adapted to correspond generally (±15%), to a height of the pockets B of the cycling jersey A. The hole of the cutout 20 is entirely unobstructed and entirely located in the lower half of the back surface of the torso portion, and delimits an opening adapted to be aligned with the pockets of the cycling jersey such that the pockets protrude through the opening to an exterior of the outer shell and are accessible to hands of the wearer. The cutout 20 may also be described as forming an unobstructed hole through a lower half of the back surface of the torso portion 12 and adapted to be located in alignment with pockets B of the cycling jersey A. The cutout 20 may be entirely located in said lower half and being delimited by a lower edge of the back surface of the torso portion 12 and a bottom strip affixed at first and second opposing ends thereof to the lower edge. The lower edge may be adapted to be disposed proximate to a waist of the wearer and the outer shell terminates at the lower edge. The lower edge may comprise first and second waist portions that extend on either side of the torso portion 12 from the front surface of the torso portion rearwardly toward the cutout 20. The lower edge may further have first and second upright portions which extend generally vertically from the first and second waist portions, respectively, the first waist portion and the first upright portion forming a first corner and the second waist portion and the second upright portion forming a second corner. The lower edge may further include a central portion which extends generally horizontally between the first and second upright portions opposite from the first and second corners. The first opposing end of the bottom strip may be affixed to the first corner and the second opposing end of the bottom strip is affixed to the second corner. 

1. A cycling outer shell worn over a cycling jersey by a wearer comprising: at least a torso portion made of panels of at least one material, the torso portion having a back surface adapted to cover a back of the wearer when worn, and a front surface to cover a chest of the wearer when worn; a cutout defined in a lower portion of the back surface of the torso portion and located in alignment with pockets of the cycling jersey, the cutout having a peripheral edge with opposite lateral edge portions, a bottom edge portion and a top edge portion, the bottom edge portion delimited by a strip extending between the opposite lateral edge portions, with a width dimension between the lateral edge portions of the cutout generally corresponding to a width of the pockets of the cycling jersey, and with a height dimension between the bottom edge portion and the top edge portion of the cutout generally corresponding to a height of the pockets of the cycling jersey; and at least a lateral pocket on a side of the torso portion.
 2. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein two of the lateral pocket are present, one on each side of the cutout.
 3. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the at least one of the lateral pocket represents an angular value between 35 degrees and 55 degrees, inclusively, of a periphery of the outer shell.
 4. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein an inward surface of at least a bottom strip of material defining the bottom edge portion of the cutout has a gripping material thereon.
 5. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein a bottom edge portion of the cutout is defined by at least one elongated pocket.
 6. The outer shell according to claim 1, further comprising a zip fastener in the front surface of the torso portion.
 7. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein a bottom edge of the torso portion has an elastic member adapted to surround a waist of the wearer.
 8. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the height dimension between the bottom edge portion and the top edge portion of the cutout is greater than the height of the pockets of the cycling jersey.
 9. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the cutout is sized and positioned with the back surface of the torso portion to have the top edge portion of the cutout above a top of the pockets of the cycling jersey.
 10. The outer shell according to claim 1, further comprising a see-through panel extending across the cutout.
 11. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the cutout is an unobstructed hole configured to allow access to jersey pockets therethrough.
 12. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral pocket is intersected by a frontal plane of the outer shell.
 13. The outer shell according to claim 12, wherein the at least one lateral pocket has a greater portion thereof located anteriorly of the front plane.
 14. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the cutout represents an angular value between 140 and 170 degrees, inclusively, of a periphery of the outer shell.
 15. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral pocket has a width between 2.0 in and 4.0 in, inclusively.
 16. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the at least one lateral pocket has a height between 4.0 in to 8.0 in, inclusively.
 17. The outer shell according to claim 1, wherein the strip defines an elongated pocket.
 18. The outer shell according to claim 17, wherein the strip has a height between 2.0 in and 3.5 in, inclusively.
 19. The outer shell according to claim 17, wherein the strip includes a mesh material.
 20. The outer shell according to claim 17, wherein the elongated pocket has a seam separating the elongated pocket in two compartments. 